Competency to stand trial refers to a defendant's ability to understand the charges against him/her and his/her ability to cooperate with legal counsel in the preparation of his/her defense.  If the court suspects that a defendant may lack competence to stand trial because of a mental illness or intellectual deficit, the court may order   a competency screening evaluation   by a court appointed provider.  If the diagnostic screener finds that competency evaluation needs to be performed, the defendant is ordered to a State hospital for a full competency evaluation.  

Individuals hospitalized under competency statutes are usually transported to Springfield State Hospital, but hospitalization at Clifton T. Perkins may occur if the person has charges of a violent nature, which prohibit admission to Springfield.